Joyce Gardner Moses, born Jan. 6, 1932, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 3, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents James Matthew Gardner and Bessie Brouse, husband of 52 years, Billy J. Moses and siblings Lottie McMillen, Erie Mae Allen, Wilbur “Son” Gardner and Elsie Moak.
She was a lifelong resident of Sulphur, Louisiana. From a child, her faith was formed by her family with deep roots in the First Baptist Church of Sulphur. She was a 1950 graduate of Sulphur High School. She attended Louisiana College and obtained a Master’s +30 from McNeese State University. At Louisiana College, Joyce, the Campus Beauty, met the love of her life, Hall of Famer, Billy. Together they devoted their entire professional lives to education within the Calcasieu Parish School System. Joyce was a teacher and a long-time librarian at Leblanc Middle School and her husband a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent.
Joyce and her husband, Billy, truly loved the community of Sulphur, where together they led an active and beautiful life. Her hobbies and passions included baking and sewing, a perfectionist in both! Friends and family were happy recipients of her well-known specialties – desserts. Sports were always a great part of her life, which she truly enjoyed. For many years, she watched her husband coach and sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren play. Always with sincere interest and great pride, she was their greatest fan. Together, Billy and Joyce’s greatest joy was becoming grandparents.
When she and Billy retired, they traveled and she enjoyed spending time as a member of the Sulphur Garden Club, Book Club, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Sanctuary and the “Agin’ Cajun” choir. Joyce was an avid game player and loved spending time playing cards and dominos with friends.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons Dr. Philip D. Moses (Mary Ann) of Lake Charles, Scott Moses (Senetra) of Sulphur and Mark Moses (Tanna) of Baton Rouge as well as her five grandchildren Blair Moses Tadlock (Patrick), Megan Moses O’Quin (Philip), Matthew Moses (Lisette), Jake Moses (Rebecca), Brad Moses (Megan), Kade Kelley (Chris), and Addison Duplechain. She is also survived by her aunt Barbara Heddins and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her pride and ultimate joy in this world were her 14 great grandchildren – William, Trip, Caroline, Henry, Lee, Kadence, John David, Madeline, Mary Lucy, Brody, Anne Marie, Billy, Reid and Mary Katherine.
Joyce resided in her home since 1967 where she had wonderful relationships with her neighbors who not only cared for her, but kept her yard neat and so kindly set up her Christmas decorations each year. The love that her neighbors showed her will not soon be forgotten. Joyce was blessed with a completely healthy life until almost 91 years. Nearing the end, she was cared for by an amazing group of compassionate doctors, nurses and caregivers. For this, the family is truly grateful. In these last years her most shared phrase to her family and friends was, “God is good, all the time”.
Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Dr. David Holder will officiate. Music will be led by Donald Dukes. Joyce will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Billy, at Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday in the funeral home. In remembrance of Joyce, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneral homes.com.